The Weinstein Company could change name

The Weinstein Company may change their name because they are viewed as "toxic" due to the alleged actions of disgraced co-founder Harvey Weinstein

The Weinstein Company's lawyer admits it is "not easy" to keep the company going in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

Though the disgraced producer was fired from the company he co-founded in the wake of a New York Times expose that accused him of sexual misconduct and prompted dozens of other accusations of harassment, inappropriate behaviour and even allegations of rape, Bertram 'Bert' Fields admitted they may have to consider changing the name of the firm to further distance themselves because it has become "toxic" to audiences.

Speaking at an event at Harvard Law School, he said: "It's no secret that Harvey Weinstein committed very, very bad acts.

"I represent the company, not Harvey. We're trying to keep the company alive and afloat.

"It's not easy because the name has become toxic. If we change the name, is that going to make people want to see Weinstein movies? If we called it Pathfinder Films? I don't know."

And Bert admitted the company are anticipating being hit by a number of lawsuits in the wake of Weinstein's alleged behaviour being exposed.

He said: "We have a first lawsuit from a woman who is suing the company for negligence in not restraining Harvey in doing the things that he did, which is unique. I think we're going to get maybe 15, 20 of those lawsuits.

"It raises a lot of interesting issues. This woman for example, voluntarily, according to her own story, went up to Harvey's hotel room and there engaged in sexual acts voluntarily. She doesn't say he forced her. She does say that he told her that he would help her career.

"So she is suing the company for not restraining Harvey from doing this kind of thing."

While Weinstein is said to be planning to sue over his dismissal from the company, the 88-year-old legal expert doesn't believe he or his lawyer, Patricia Glaser, has any grounds to take action.

He said: "I want to see her complaint that sues us, claiming that this is wrongful termination. I mean, if ever somebody had a ground to fire a guy, it seems like it's the Weinstein Company."

The movie mogul has repeatedly denied allegations of non-consensual sex.